The Yorkshire Rebellion (1489) and the Cornish Rebellion (1497)

Yorkshire Rebellion (1489)

Causes

In 1489, Henry VII made plans to assist Brittany in its efforts to maintain independence within the kingdom of France. To aid this military intervention, taxation had to be raised and paid in cash, which caused resentment, especially in Yorkshire and Northumberland. Additionally, Yorkshire suffered from a poor harvest and this taxation was seen as a heavy burden.

Key Events

1. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, laid down the case of the people before the King but discussion proved futile and the Earl returned North empty-handed.
2. Northumberland met with the people in Yorkshire to relay that the King would not bend. A scuffle broke out leading to the Earl's death.
3. The rebels asked for a pardon but the King sent a large army to the North under the command of Thomas, Earl of Surrey.
4. The leader of the rebellion, John á Chambre, was hanged for treason. Sir John Egremont led the rebels but soon fled to Flanders when the rising was brought under control.

Impact

Henry VII travelled north and granted pardons to the rebels. The Earl of Surrey replaced Northumberland. The problem in the north was resolved but the tax collection for the Brittany campaign failed.

Cornish Rebellion (1497)

Causes

Henry VII's actions to manage Warbeck's invasion attempt that Scotland backed led to the rebellion of the Cornishmen. The king demanded a forced loan from the region in 1496, a double portion of fifteenths and tenths taxation and a special subsidy levy in 1497. The tax levy led to the armed revolt of the people in Cornwall.

Key Events

1. The riot began in Cornwall and quickly grew into a rebellion with as many as 15,000 people marching to Exeter, Salisbury, Winchester and then Kent.
2. The rebellion posed a serious threat and London was called to arms.
3. The rebels faced the King's forces at Blackheath, which was only a few miles away from London and dangerously close to the royal arsenal at Greenwich.
4. The battle resulted in the death of thousands and the capture and execution of the three ringleaders, Michael Joseph, James Touchet and Lord Audley.

Impact

Henry VII knighted his loyal soldiers and rewarded others for their service in guarding London. Cornwall was burdened by monetary penalties after the rebellion until in 1508 the King acted to grant compensation to the Cornish grievances.